What Veggies Can Bearded Dragons Eat?

Bearded dragons are among the most popular reptile pets. They make great companions and are relatively low maintenance. However, one area you need to be careful with is their diet.

Bearded dragons are omnivorous, and they require a diet that includes both vegetables and insects. Veggies are a great way to give your pet lizard the nutrients he needs. So what veggies can bearded dragons eat?

This post will discuss some of the best vegetables for bearded dragons and provide a few recipes so you can get started!

What Veggies Can Bearded Dragons Eat? – 19 Examples

1. Broccoli

Broccoli is an excellent vegetable for bearded dragons. It is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber. These nutrients strengthen the reproductive and immune systems, promote great vision, and aid in growth.

It also contains a moderate amount of protein and calcium and is a low-fat food, making it a healthy choice for bearded dragons.

When feeding broccoli to your bearded dragon, it’s important to chop it into small pieces to prevent choking. Start by cutting off the green flowery part and avoid the stalk or the stem. These parts are often harder to chew and may chock your pet lizard. Place the tiny pieces of broccoli buds on your lizard’s feeding dish as a part of a salad served with some collard greens and strawberries.

2. Collard Greens

Collard greens are a nutritious leafy green vegetable that is popular in many parts of the world. They are an excellent source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as fiber and calcium. Collard greens are also low in calories, fat, and sugar.

For these reasons, they are a great addition to the diet of bearded dragons, especially when they’re young and developing their bone structure. As a great source of calcium, collard greens can help prevent metabolic bone disease, which is a common condition in reptiles.

In addition to their nutritional value, collard greens also have many health benefits. They have been shown to improve heart health, reduce inflammation, and even protect against certain types of cancer.

3. Beet Greens

Beet greens are a great source of vitamins A, C, and K. They are also a good source of fiber and calcium. Bearded dragons can eat both the leaves and the stems of beet greens. When feeding your beardie beet greens, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.

You can also give your beardie cooked beet greens, but be sure to let them cool down before feeding them to your dragon. However, keep in mind that you should feed your pet lizard beet greens sparingly because they contain oxalates which bind minerals such as calcium, preventing them from being absorbed into their bodies.

4. Cucumber

Cucumber is high in water content, made up of 96% water, and low in fat, making it a healthy option for your reptile friend. It’s a great addition to your reptile’s diet, especially if you suspect dehydration.

It’s also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and fiber, which prevent constipation and strengthens your dragon’s immune system. When feeding a cucumber to your beardie, wash it thoroughly and cut it into small pieces to prevent choking. You can offer a cucumber to your bearded dragon as a treat or as part of a nutritious meal once every other week. Just be sure to monitor your pet’s intake to ensure they’re getting the proper nutrition.

5. Mustard Greens

Mustard greens are a great vegetable for bearded dragons. Not only are they soft and chewy, but they are also full of distinct flavor. Mustard greens are packed with nutrients and have a great Phosphorus to Calcium ratio, making them an ideal food for your pet.

They are also a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, which help improve bone health and support normal blood clotting.

Mustard greens are also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy option for bearded dragons. In addition, the bitter taste of mustard greens can help to stimulate a bearded dragon’s appetite. However, they also contain oxalic acid and should be fed in moderation.

6. Cilantro

Cilantro is a leafy green vegetable often used in Asian cuisine. It has a strong, distinctive flavor that some people find unpleasant. However, cilantro is a good source of vitamins A, C, E, and K, which aid in growth, immune system maintenance, and tissue and organ repair.

Cilantro is also a good source of fiber, which can help prevent constipation, and antioxidants, which help prevent and ease inflammation. When choosing cilantro for your bearded dragon, it is important to select fresh leaves that have not been treated with pesticides. You can also look for organic cilantro, which has not been exposed to chemical fertilizers or herbicides.

It’s also advisable to feed cilantro to your bearded dragons in small quantities, as it can cause digestive issues if eaten in large quantities. If you are unsure about how much cilantro to feed your bearded dragon, it is best to consult with a reptile veterinarian.

7. Turnip Greens

Turnip greens are a type of leafy green vegetable that is closely related to cabbage and kale. These veggies have a slightly bitter taste and are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K. They are also a good source of fiber and calcium, which is important for bearded dragons’ bone health.

Bearded dragons can eat both the leaves and the stems of turnip greens. When feeding your bearded dragon turnip greens, make sure to wash them thoroughly to remove any dirt or pesticides.

According to VCA Hospitals, it’s advisable to feed turnip greens to your bearded dragon a few times a week as part of a balanced diet.

8. Parsley

Persley is an especially good vegetable for your bearded dragon. Not only is it rich in vitamins A and C, but it’s also a good source of calcium and iron. Parsley is also a natural breath freshener, so feeding your bearded dragon this herb can help keep their enclosure smelling fresh.

Parsley is also a good source of chlorophyll, which can help to detoxify your bearded dragon’s system.

Conversely, parsley is relatively low in oxalates, which can cause kidney problems in lizards if consumed in large quantities. So, it’s advisable to feed parsley to your bearded dragon in moderation.

9. Kale

Kale is a leafy green vegetable high in vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are important for eye health. Bearded dragons can eat kale raw or cooked.

Cooked kale is easier for bearded dragons to digest than raw kale. If you feed your bearded dragon-cooked kale, ensure it is well-cooked and not overcooked. Overcooked kale can be hard for bearded dragons to digest.

10. Watercress

Watercress is a leafy green vegetable that is often eaten raw in salads or sandwiches. It has a slightly peppery flavor and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Watercress is a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as calcium, iron, and manganese. It also contains small amounts of folate, potassium, and magnesium.

Watercress is safe for bearded dragons to eat, but it should be offered in moderation. This is because watercress contains high levels of oxalates, which can bind to calcium and other minerals in the gut and cause problems with absorption. If your beardie eats a lot of watercress, it may develop deficiencies in these nutrients.

11. Sweet potatoes

Although sweet potatoes have a high water content, they’re still a nutritious vegetable for your bearded dragon. Sweet potatoes are an excellent source of beta carotene, which is converted to vitamin A in their bodies and helps with growth and vision. They also contain fiber, potassium, and vitamins B and C.

They can be roasted, mashed, or pureed and served to your beardie as an occasional treat. Just be sure to remove the ski before feeding them to your pet.

12. Green Beans

Green beans are a type of vegetable known for their nutritional value. They are a good source of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber and folate. Green beans are also low in calories and fat, making them an ideal food for bearded dragons.

Bearded dragons require a diet that is high in protein and low in fat, and green beans can help to meet these needs. In addition, green beans contain calcium, which is necessary for bearded dragons to maintain strong bones.

13. Mushrooms

Though often thought of as a type of fungus, mushrooms are actually a type of vegetable. They are low in calories and fat and are a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including selenium, potassium, and copper.

The right types of mushrooms make excellent food for bearded dragons, as they are high in moisture content and contain many nutrients that these reptiles need, such as protein and fiber. In addition, mushrooms provide a variety of textures and flavors that help keep bearded dragons healthy and active.

14. Red And Green Cabbage

Though often seen as nothing more than a standard salad ingredient, cabbage is actually a nutrient-rich vegetable that can provide bearded dragons with a number of health benefits. Red and green cabbage are especially beneficial, as they are rich in vitamins A, C, and K. They also contain sulfur compounds that can help to detoxify the body and promote healthy skin and scales.

In addition, cabbage is a good source of fiber, which can help bearded dragons maintain a healthy digestive system. When feeding cabbage to bearded dragons, it is important to chop it into small pieces to avoid choking. Cabbage can be fed raw or steamed and should be offered as part of a varied diet for optimum nutrition.

15. Carrots

Carrots are a popular root vegetable known for their sweet taste and crunchy texture. Although they are often thought of as orange, carrots come in a wide range of colors, including white, yellow, and purple. In addition to being a delicious snack, carrots are also packed with nutrients that can be beneficial for your beardie’s health.

For instance, carrots are an excellent source of beta-carotene, which is converted into vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is essential for vision and immune function. Carrots also contain fiber, which helps to promote digestive health.

When feeding carrots to your bearded dragon, it is important to chop them into small pieces to avoid choking hazards. You can also steam or cook the carrots to soften them up before feeding.

16. Peas

Peas are a popular vegetable that’s relatively low in calories and fat. They’re also a good source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein, making them an excellent choice for bearded dragons.

The high levels of vitamin A, C, and E in peas help keep bearded dragons healthy, and the fiber content helps with digestion. Peas are also an excellent natural source of moisture, which keeps your beardie hydrated. When feeding peas to your bearded dragon, be sure to cook them first to soften them up. You can also mash them or puree them to make it easier for the beardie to eat and digest peas.

17. Sprouts

Sprouts are a type of vegetable often overlooked, but they offer a surprising array of benefits. Nutritionally, sprouts are an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are also low in calories and fat, making them a healthy option for pet owners watching their beardie’s weight.

Additionally, sprouts are high in vitamin and mineral content and can help to keep your pet healthy. Sprouts are also a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate digestion. Overall, sprouts are nutritionally dense vegetables that offer a wide range of benefits for both humans and bearded dragons.

18. Bell Peppers

Bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamins and minerals and are a popular choice for bearded dragons. Bell peppers are low in calories and fat and are a good source of fiber. They also contain vitamins A, C, and E, as well as carotenoids and flavonoids.

Carotenoids are compounds that have been shown to reduce the risk of certain cancers, while flavonoids are antioxidants that can help to protect cells from damage. In addition, bell peppers provide a wide range of other health benefits. They can help to improve vision, lower blood pressure, reduce inflammation, and boost the immune system. As a result, they make an excellent addition to any bearded dragon’s diet.

19. Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi is a member of the cabbage family and shares many of the same nutritional benefits. It is an excellent source of vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber. These nutrients are essential for maintaining a healthy immune system, reducing inflammation, and promoting cell health.

Kohlrabi is also low in calories, making it a healthy meal choice. Additionally, the high water content of kohlrabi will keep your dragon hydrated, while its crunchy texture helps clean its teeth and keep its gums healthy.